Okay, even though it’s the NBA Finals and the NHL Finals, we can’t keep futbol/soccer off our minds… but maybe that’s because the Beats by Dre team just released this magnetic ad showing us the pregame routine and honors of the World Cup. Check it out here:

 

QUIPS FOR THIS WEEK

NBA

The NBA Finals are back! And in a Game 2 featuring air-conditioning (whew!) in San Antonio, the Miami Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs 98-96. The game was tight all evening, but 35 points from LeBron and clutch play down the stretch helped Miami knock off the Spurs in the last couple minutes. Both teams will head to Miami for game 3 on Tuesday night.

The NBA announced the All-NBA teams for this year, a recognition that celebrates the best players this season. Not surprisingly, Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant was unanimously selected on all the ballots as a First-Team pick.

• First Team: Kevin Durant (OKC), LeBron James (MIA), Joakim Noah (CHI), Chris Paul (LAC), James Harden (HOU)
• Second Team: Stephen Curry (GSW), Tony Parker (SAN), Blake Griffin (LAC), Kevin Love (MIN), Dwight Howard (HOU)
• Third Team: Paul George (IND), LaMarcus Aldridge (POR), Goran Dragic (PHX), Al Jefferson (CHA), Damian Lillard (POR)

What’s it like to be the president, partial owner, and coach of a team? Just ask Flip Saunders. That’s right, after conducting a coaching search, Saunders has decided to coach the Minnesota Timberwolves himself. This could get interesting. In other coaching news, the Utah Jazz announced that Quin Snyder will be their new coach. Expect the rumors about the LA Lakers and the NY Knicks to continue as each team looks to hire a new coach.

What’s coming up in all things NBA? Game 3! That’s right, Game 3 takes place Tuesday night in Miami. Get ready for a wild ride!

NHL

In a riveting Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the LA Kings topped the New York Rangers 5-4 in double overtime! Of interest here is that although the Kings are now up 2-0 in the series, they have yet to lead in regulation — in both games, they’ve need overtime to pull ahead. But you know what they say… a win is a win, and the Kings are winning.

Looking for a ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals? Good luck, and keep looking. It looks like Game 3 will be the “highest grossing game in league history.” Ain’t no business like championship business.

In coaching, there have been quite a few changes this off-season (for teams outside the Cup, that is). The Pittsburgh Penguins fired their coach Dan Bylsma and hired new GM Jim Rutherford. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings hired Jeff Blashill to coach their team. Time will tell if these changes will help these traditional powerhouses climb back to the top.

Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals gets going Monday night. Get excited, and prepare for more overtime!

Other

The French Open Championship match kicked off Sunday morning between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Just another chapter in their great rivalry. Despite Djokovic’s efforts, he couldn’t contain Rafa, who won his 9th French Open Final Championship trophy. It’s also his 14th major title, tying him with Pete Sampras for second all-time. On the women’s side, Maria Sharapova defeated Simona Halep for her second French Open trophy.

Speaking of tennis, Andy Murray has a new coach. Murray hired Amelie Mauresmo, a former top-ranked player to help him try to win a second straight Wimbledon title for the UK.

And the winner of the Belmont Stakes is… Tonalist. California Chrome finished in a tie for 4th, meaning the quest for a Triple Crown victory is over. One thing is for sure, California Chrome’s owner is not pleased with the system.

It may not be college basketball season, but this off-season has been full of developments. Former Carolina player Rashad McCants spoke with ESPN’s Outside the Lines about some extreme allegations involving his academic experience at UNC. Coach Roy Williams denied the accusations in an interview. Stay tuned, this story is not going away.

In the final friendly for the United States, the national team knocked off Team Nigeria 2-1. Jozy Altidore led the way for the Americans who will now head to Brazil to play in that whole World Cup thing. Get ready. (USA USA USA!)

In all things boxing, we have a new champ. Miguel Cotto defeated Sergio Martinez in 1o rounds on Saturday night in Madison Square Garden. The strong performance won him the middleweight championship title of the WORLD. In other boxing news, Oscar De La Hoya, one of boxing’s all-time greats, was inducted into the international boxing hall of fame over the weekend.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. picked up his second win of the season in his first win at Pocono, a NASCAR race in the Sprint Cup Series.

Will Smith is set to star in a film about concussions in the NFL. The film is based on a GQ article about the rise of concussions in professional football called “Brain Game.”

 

JUST FOR FUN

Spelling is T-O-U-G-H
Just ask Jimmy Kimmel, who took on this year’s National Spelling Bee champs on his show

 

STORIES FOR INSIGHTS, COOL FACTOR + DEBATE

The Quest
Ray-Ray and Rashard reunite in Miami
Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis have gone their separate ways since their days in Seattle but are back together in Miami and looking to win another title

Bye, Bye NYC
Radio City Music Hall probably won’t host the 2015 NFL Draft
Due to scheduling conflicts at venues around the city, the draft will most likely be held elsewhere

Nine for IX
In Honor of Title IX
espnW tells the powerful story of Tracey Stewart in this short video piece

Fresh Faces
The kids are more than alright
Are the future stars of the World Cup ready to show their stuff?

#ProudToPlay
Campaign for Equality in Sports
Soccer player Robbie Rogers was one of the many participants in the YouTube video created to inspire athletes to continue doing what they love, regardless of who they love

Get on my level
A guide to enjoying the World Cup
How much do you actually know about soccer? Boost your knowledge!